A fingerprint scan is a biometric technology that captures the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person's fingertip. This scan is often used for security purposes, allowing access to devices or secure locations by verifying an individual's identity. The process involves placing a finger on a scanner, which then creates a digital image of the fingerprint. Once the fingerprint is scanned, it is compared to stored fingerprint data in a database. If the scanned fingerprint matches an existing record, access is granted. This method is widely used in smartphones, laptops, and security systems due to its convenience and accuracy.